Date:         Thu, 14 Nov 2002 16:32:25 -0400
Reply-To:     Malcolm Stebbins <Malcolm.Stebbins@MSVU.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Malcolm Stebbins <Malcolm.Stebbins@MSVU.CA>
Subject:      Re: Winters in the van
In-Reply-To:  <B9F93B8E.779B%eric@seniornet.org>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

> and was wondering if people had stories/lessons they might want to
> share about Vans and snow?

Keeping the pop-top down keeps the van warmer.  Putting reflective
insulation around all windows keeps the van warmer.  One MUST
keep some fresh air coming in the van AT ALL TIMES (read: all night).
If you use some form of heater (I use the new plat-cat heaters)  be
careful of gas fumes.   Be careful of condensation in the van (it will
cause rust), I leave the sky-light open a crack - all night.  Sleep with a
hat on and with someone you like - much warmer that way.

Cook a hot breakfast.  Find some good down booties and "glittens"
(glove-mittens).  Salt in the water reservoir will lower the freezing point
of the water, but make the water not so good for drinking/cooking.

Make sure that your AAA/CAA  membership has as many towing
miles as you can afford.  Syncros work better in snow than 2WDs.

Remember that it gets dark at 5 p.m. so have something to do in the
van ( yes, that too).  We keep "The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde'
in the van.

These are off the top of my head.  Malcolm